Return of long-stalled tradition: Niraputhari ritual at Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple on August 3rd

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Minister K. Muraleedharan led the harvesting of paddy in Putharikandam ground to offer Niraputhari at the Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple. Then, under the leadership of Mayor V.V. Rajesh, the bundles of paddy were carried on the head and offered in the temple as per the tradition. This tradition had been suspended for some time.

Niraputhari is on August 3. The Niraputhari is offered between 5.40 and 6.20 in the morning. Niraputhari is a traditional harvest ritual where newly harvested paddy sheaves from Putharikandam ground are brought in a procession to the temple.

Minister K. Muraleedharan inaugurated the Niraputhari harvest festival held at Putharikandam ground. V. Muraleedharan MLA, Mayor V.V. Rajesh, Deputy Mayor G.S. Ashanath and others also participated in the harvesting.

The Minister distributed pudava (cloth) to the farmers as part of the harvest festival. Mayor V.V. Rajesh said he was happy that the traditional ceremonies were resumed again. Minister C.P. John also expressed happiness over the traditional customs being followed this year.